pester etymology

Etymology and Meaning

The word "pester" comes from the Middle English "pesteren," which is of uncertain origin. It may be derived from the Old French "empestrer," meaning "to embarrass" or "to impede."

"Pester" means to annoy or bother someone persistently or excessively. It can also refer to something that causes trouble or inconvenience.

Origin

The term "pester" first appeared in the late 14th century. It was originally used to describe physical hindrances, such as being stuck in a crowd or entangled in a net. By the 17th century, the meaning of "pester" had evolved to include mental or emotional disturbance.

Examples

  • "She couldn't concentrate on her work because her neighbor kept pestering her."
  • "The constant noise and traffic pestered the residents of the city."
  • "The broken refrigerator pestered me all weekend."

pester relate terms

  • pastor

    Etymology Latin pastor meaning shepherd or herdsman Old English pastor mean

  • pasture

    Etymology The word pasture comes from the Middle English word pasture which in turn

  • pest

    Etymology The word pest originates from the Latin word pestis which means plague o

  • pesterment

    Etymology The word pesterment comes from the 16th century English word pester meanin

  • tease

    Etymology Tease originated from Middle English tesen which meant to card wool or fl

  • badger

    Etymology The word badger comes from the Middle English word bajer 13th century w

  • crucify

    Etymology The word crucify comes from the Latin word crucifigere which is a compound

  • torment

    Etymology Old French tormenter Latin tormentum Greek tormén instrument of to